As RCF Connects enters a new year and an important new chapter after celebrating 25 years of service to this community, we are proud to share an evolution in our leadership that reflects both who we are and where we are going.
After thoughtful planning over the past year, and in anticipation of Jim Becker’s upcoming retirement, the Board of Directors has implemented an Interim Co-CEO shared leadership model, with Jim Becker and Rosalind Welch serving together during the CEO recruitment process.
This approach is one of the boldest (and frankly, wisest) moves RCF Connects could make at this moment in the organization’s life.
Why Shared Leadership, and Why Now?
Nonprofits today are navigating unprecedented complexity: shifting funding landscapes, evolving community needs, and heightened expectations for transparency, equity, and sustainability. In this environment, strong leadership isn’t just about vision. . .it’s about resilience, continuity, and balance.
The Co-CEO model strengthens leadership stability. This model allows the organization to benefit from three important things: complementary expertise, shared responsibility, and collaborative decision-making. Rather than relying on a single point of leadership during a transition, this structure ensures that RCF’s institutional knowledge and strategic momentum remain strong and steady.
It also reflects RCF Connects’ core values: collaboration over hierarchy, shared power over silos, and thoughtful stewardship over urgency.
Honoring Experience While Building the Future
Jim Becker’s leadership has helped shape RCF Connects into the impactful, community-centered organization it is today. Partnering with Rosalind Welch during this interim period allows for a meaningful transfer of knowledge while continuing to move the organization forward with confidence.
Rosalind has been part of RCF Connects for over nine years, joining the organization when it had just 13 staff members and helping guide its growth to nearly 35 team members today. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience in administration, marketing, and development, Rosalind brings deep organizational knowledge and a clear understanding of how systems, strategy, and storytelling come together to support impact.
Her long-term commitment to RCF Connects, combined with Jim’s seasoned leadership, creates a partnership grounded in trust, continuity, and shared purpose.
What Our Interim Co-CEO Model Looks Like
Under this structure, two Co-CEOs work together to guide the organization, sharing accountability and aligning on major decisions. The model emphasizes:
- Collaboration and transparency,
- Unified leadership and clear communication,
- Balanced decision-making rooted in mission and strategy.
As Jim and Rosalind settle into this shared role, we anticipate that the co-leadership structure will continue to evolve. We are confident that it will serve as a strong foundation during the CEO recruitment process and inform future leadership possibilities.
Looking Ahead
This interim Co-CEO model is not just a bridge, but it’s a clear statement about the kind of organization RCF Connects is becoming. One that is thoughtful about transitions, intentional about leadership, and committed to building systems that support both people and purpose.
“We are grateful for the trust, partnership, and openness of our staff, board, and community as we step into this new phase together,” says Rosalind Welch, the new Interim Co-CEO, “and we look forward to continuing our work with care, clarity, and collaboration.”